Dr. Hongmei Wang: “Pharmacy is a calling—serve with purpose”

As part of American Pharmacists Month, Texas Southern University continues celebrating the journey and formation of pharmacists, who will transform healthcare. Today, we acknowledge Dr. Hongmei Wang, a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Texas Southern University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, whose extraordinary path from molecular research to clinical pharmacy exemplifies service, scholarship and commitment.

Dr. Wang, who holds both a PharmD and PhD, is also board certified in Pharmacotherapy (BCPS) and Infectious Diseases Pharmacy (BCIDP). In addition to her academic role, she serves as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Infectious Diseases at Houston Methodist Texas Medical Center, bringing her dual passion for teaching and patient care full circle.

“Texas Southern University is where my purpose found direction,” said Dr. Wang.

Choosing Texas Southern University

Born and educated in China, Dr. Wang arrived to the United States with a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Biology and a desire to improve human health through science. But it wasn’t until she discovered Texas Southern University that she saw a clear path where research and patient-centered care could intersect.

“I chose Texas Southern University because it values diversity and offers me the opportunity to transform from a researcher into a clinician and healthcare educator,” she reflected.

Drawn to the University’s unique environment and its proximity to the Texas Medical Center, Dr. Wang began her journey in pharmacy determined to not only master the clinical aspects but to become a voice for health equity.

Throughout her pharmacy education, Dr. Wang found strong mentorship at Texas Southern University, particularly through her involvement with the Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SSHP). “Through clinical skill competitions, community outreach, and professional development events, I discovered my passion for advancing pharmacy beyond patient care into leadership and education,” she shares –an experience that shaped her journey within Texas Southern.

Dr. Uche Ndefo mentorship, also played a key role in Dr. Wang formation as Pharmacist, as she explains: “Her belief in my potential strengthened my commitment to serving, leading, and giving back to future pharmacists.”

Overcoming Challenges

Dr. Wang’s path was not without difficulty. As a first-generation immigrant, she faced cultural barriers, financial hardship and the challenge of raising two young children while managing a rigorous academic load.

“Those years stretched me in every possible way, yet they ultimately shaped my resilience, deepened my empathy, and strengthened my relentless perseverance,” she now remembers.

Today, Dr. Wang specializes in infectious diseases pharmacotherapy, providing advanced clinical care at Houston Methodist while remaining deeply engaged in academic research and professional service. Her work focuses on HIV care, PrEP access, and medication adherence, particularly within underserved populations.

She is actively involved in both the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists (TSHP) and the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG), leading initiatives that push the boundaries of pharmacy practice and public health.

“Pharmacy is my platform to advance healthcare access and equity.” she said.

Returning to Texas Southern University as a faculty member was a natural step for Dr. Wang, and one she views with deep gratitude.

Texas Southern University “has transformed my life and opened doors I never thought possible. I felt a responsibility to give back to the next generation as others had invested in me,” Dr. Wang explained.

If You Could Your Younger Self One Piece of Advice…

When asked about any advice for her younger self, her answer was inspiring and full of power: “Pharmacy is a calling—serve with purpose. “You belong here. Your voice matters more than you think.”

She remarks: “Believe that you belong here. Be brave – speak up, ask questions, or take the lead.”

Dr. Wang’s story is one of full circle transformation, from international researcher to respected clinician, mentor, and educator. It’s a journey that underscores the mission of Texas Southern University: to empower students to become leaders in healthcare and beyond. Throughout October, we will be sharing more stories from the students, graduates, and faculty who are shaping the future of healthcare through pharmacy at Texas Southern University.